Those of you have been following the development of MTP (Mentored Training Program) know that we have been experimenting back and forth with it.

As interest for the program grew - we ended up with a situation where we had to enforce restrictions in order to afford it. That is the reason we introduced the three month cycle and well as assignments/REC requirements. As a result many students were unhappy with the program.

Starting from today we introduce a new program called Private Lessons. With private we basically mean personal lessons - we chose this name because it fits the gap we are trying to fill at GMC, as well as the direction we want it to take.

This program will cost 30 usd per month and is completely separated from the normal GMC subscription. This means that if you want access to GMC videos and Private Lessons you will have to pay two separate fees.

The program will work very similar to the mtp program - however: You will be able to choose your own pace of progress. If you want lots of assignments you will get it - if you want a softer approach that is fine as well. No REC requirement. No three month limit - you can keep getting Private Lessons for an unlimited time. The idea is that you and your instructor find the ideal learning plan which works best for you - and helps you with your own style and direction.

Just as with the mtp program we will do our best to match you up with your desired instructor and/or style. More about the program and sign up here.

Those of you who are currently doing MTP will of course be able to finish the three month cycle as planned without any additional fees.

I will do my best to answer your questions and feedback here!

maharzan

Jul 19 2010, 12:48 PM

Great!

What about the normal GMC fee? remains the same as before? That would kinda suck.

Oh and it looks like I can only sign up for 6 months in advance. Is that so?

Praetorian

Jul 19 2010, 12:54 PM

Kris,

This sounds awesome! A little confused about how it works though. Will we be assigned existing video lessons to learn like in the MTP? Or will we be assigned tasks that are created just for the student by the instructor?

Ben

Kristofer Dahl

Jul 19 2010, 12:59 PM

QUOTE (maharzan @ Jul 19 2010, 01:48 PM)

What about the normal GMC fee? remains the same as before? That would kinda suck.

The normal GMC fee will unfortunately remain the same ( mtp was never included in there). We have been running mtp as a test feature form the start never letting it affect the GMC fee - since we didn't know if the program was here to stay.

QUOTE (maharzan @ Jul 19 2010, 01:48 PM)

Oh and it looks like I can only sign up for 6 months in advance. Is that so?

Yes!

QUOTE (Praetorian @ Jul 19 2010, 01:54 PM)

This sounds awesome! A little confused about how it works though. Will we be assigned existing video lessons to learn like in the MTP? Or will we be assigned tasks that are created just for the student by the instructor?

It is completely up to you how you want to do it! I suggest you go for what feels most motivating for you.

As soon as you have been assigned an instructor you will have a discussion on how to structure your learning program. You can of course change this later on if you want to try a new approach.

superize

Jul 19 2010, 01:02 PM

This sounds farely reasanable

maharzan

Jul 19 2010, 01:06 PM

Okay, I initially signed up because of MTP and thought it was included with the price.

Fran

Jul 19 2010, 01:08 PM

Wow this is big news! Sounds great Kris, this opens a bunch of possibilities in 1on1 interaction with our instructors for those wishing to take their practice time and playing to a new level

Kristofer Dahl

Jul 19 2010, 01:13 PM

QUOTE (maharzan @ Jul 19 2010, 02:06 PM)

Okay, I initially signed up because of MTP and thought it was included with the price.

Yes we did offer mtp for people who signed up for a GMC subscription. However as announced on the open boards we have decided to discontinue mtp (and launch a final mtp round which is currently running).

maharzan

Jul 19 2010, 01:22 PM

QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ Jul 19 2010, 12:59 PM)

Yes!

Aren't you guys considering keeping 3 months option? What happens if instructor has to leave in between or has a tour or something? or even students for that fact. Just would be more flexible.

ruben_mcn

Jul 19 2010, 02:08 PM

Can we just pay for the Private lessons ?? and not pay gmc normal fee ???

maharzan

Jul 19 2010, 02:12 PM

I would guess yes.. but I am sure you will be referred to lessons at GMC for which you will have to pay.

Adrian Figallo

Jul 19 2010, 02:13 PM

good stuff going on here!

Kristofer Dahl

Jul 19 2010, 02:16 PM

QUOTE (ruben_mcn @ Jul 19 2010, 03:08 PM)

Can we just pay for the Private lessons ?? and not pay gmc normal fee ???

Yes!

QUOTE (maharzan @ Jul 19 2010, 03:12 PM)

I would guess yes.. but I am sure you will be referred to lessons at GMC for which you will have to pay.

You decide what to do with your instructor, if you don't want to use GMC lesson material you don't have to. (or you could use the free parts of GMC)

ruben_mcn

Jul 19 2010, 02:20 PM

OK .. that would be preatty cool .. and if an instructor assings somthing from a lesson on GMC can we see them ??( if we are just payn the private lssons fee )

NoSkill

Jul 19 2010, 02:44 PM

Are the lessons, "Private," or will there be open forum discussions regarding the lessons as with MTP? That is, will there be an area where student and instructor communicate that is just seen by the person paying the fee? Or will it be like MTP, where people can follow along with their assignments and their progress?

Kristofer Dahl

Jul 19 2010, 02:49 PM

QUOTE (NoSkill @ Jul 19 2010, 03:44 PM)

Are the lessons, "Private," or will there be open forum discussions regarding the lessons as with MTP? That is, will there be an area where student and instructor communicate that is just seen by the person paying the fee? Or will it be like MTP, where people can follow along with their assignments and their progress?

In the beginning the lessons will have the same format as the current mtp. However if there is an interest in more "closed" discussions that is something we are open for.

The basic idea is that if this feature works out - we will build a new solution for it so that we no longer need to use the forum. This will make it a lot easier to implement your requests and easier to use for students.

maharzan

Jul 19 2010, 02:50 PM

What about 3 month option Kris or just even monthly? I saw it not practical mainly because, say I took my first 6 months and then just decided learn few more things in next month or 3 months. So, just asking...

Kristofer Dahl

Jul 19 2010, 02:57 PM

QUOTE (ruben_mcn @ Jul 19 2010, 03:20 PM)

and if an instructor assings somthing from a lesson on GMC can we see them ??( if we are just payn the private lssons fee )

No, you will always need to be a GMC subscriber to view member videos.

QUOTE (maharzan @ Jul 19 2010, 03:50 PM)

What about 3 month option Kris or just even monthly? I saw it not practical mainly because, say I took my first 6 months and then just decided learn few more things in next month or 3 months. So, just asking...

We haven't come that far in the planning yet. The reason the payment is set to 6 month is because all payments will be handled manually + your instructor will likely spend most time with you during the first phase (getting to know you personally, your goals, current level and weaknesses).

However if it turns out this feature is here to stay we might very well be able to offer more payment alternatives.

maharzan

Jul 19 2010, 03:01 PM

Very cool.. Thanks.

Marek Rojewski

Jul 19 2010, 03:09 PM

I would be really interested which instructors are going to be available (also most probably one instructor will only have few spots open?).

purple hayes

Jul 19 2010, 03:13 PM

QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ Jul 19 2010, 09:57 AM)

We haven't come that far in the planning yet. The reason the payment is set to 6 month is because all payments will be handled manually + your instructor will likely spend most time with you during the first phase (getting to know you personally, your goals, current level and weaknesses).

However if it turns out this feature is here to stay we might very well be able to offer more payment alternatives.

My interest level will go up a lot if the payment plan wasn't set at 6 months up front. That's a lot to invest in something without getting to try it out.

Praetorian

Jul 19 2010, 03:19 PM

In my opinion, if you are on this site and using any aspect of it (getting advice from instructors on forums, taking part in competitions and possibly winning prizes etc.) then you should be paying a membership fee. Period.

Gitarrero

Jul 19 2010, 04:10 PM

Hmm, not quite what I was hoping for. The additional fee is just too high for me at this moment, especially if you have to pay for 6 months in advance. I actually liked the mtp and still wonder why seemingly so many students had problems with it.To be honest, since the "private" lessons will be public in the forum at first I'll follow them silently and will decide later this year if I will also do it.

SirJamsalot

Jul 19 2010, 04:30 PM

QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ Jul 19 2010, 04:42 AM)

This program will cost 30 usd per month and is completely separated from the normal GMC subscription. This means that if you want access to GMC videos and Private Lessons you will have to pay two separate fees.

I'm still a little confused. What exactly does the monthly membership get us if we still have to pay to view the video lessons? Or am I reading what you wrote incorrectly?

QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl)

Just as with the mtp program we will do our best to match you up with your desired instructor and/or style. More about the program and sign up here.

I visited the link, and there is nothing more to read about the program - only a license agreement link and a form to submit payment.

Thanks,Christian A.

oh, wait - I see the "and" between vidoes AND private lessons - so the monthly covers being able to view the already recorded lessons - the fee is there only for private lessons. I think it would be better worded by excluding the "videos and" from that sentence. I almost had a heart-attack

If that's the case, I'll remind readers that instructors, at least in U.S.A. generally pay about $30 per half hour for 1 on 1 instruction, so this is still a bargain by any stretch, if you use your 6 month membership wisely.

kaznie_NL

Jul 19 2010, 04:31 PM

QUOTE (Praetorian @ Jul 19 2010, 04:19 PM)

In my opinion, if you are on this site and using any aspect of it (getting advice from instructors on forums, taking part in competitions and possibly winning prizes etc.) then you should be paying a membership fee. Period.

Of course, that's logical, but now we'll have to pay twice!

Kris, IMO this kind of interferes with your views on teaching guitar. You once told me it wasn't about the money, but about the experience of showing other people how to play guitar, but then why make it so expensive!

Will there be any way of winning this? Wiki'writers 50% off? haha

I truly hope this will work, because the mtp we have now is really cool, but not always practical! This will not be for me (to expensive), but I wish everyone the best to try!!

Kristofer Dahl

Jul 19 2010, 04:31 PM

QUOTE (purple hayes @ Jul 19 2010, 04:13 PM)

My interest level will go up a lot if the payment plan wasn't set at 6 months up front. That's a lot to invest in something without getting to try it out.

You will get the mtp program - but with better planning, continuity and individual teaching (since we no longer have the restrictions). Those who have had mtp mentoring should know what I am talking about - if you haven't you can check out the different instructors mtp sub boards here.

kaznie_NL

Jul 19 2010, 04:33 PM

QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ Jul 19 2010, 05:31 PM)

You will get the mtp program - but with better planning, continuity and individual teaching (since we no longer have the restrictions). Those who have had mtp mentoring should know what I am talking about - if you haven't you can check out the different instructors mtp sub boards here.

But why not the way it used to be? I can recall my first mtp round with Monte (Lcdssd) which was really cool! There were no restrictions and I really loved it

Marek Rojewski

Jul 19 2010, 06:00 PM

I don't think that admins would have anything against one of the members starting few topics in which he would "tutor" some "students".

carminemarotta

Jul 19 2010, 06:36 PM

Krissorry but like somebody else I still have not understood how it works. It is quite expensive, so before committing 6 months will be nice to have better explanations.

ThanksCarmine

Gitarrero

Jul 19 2010, 06:45 PM

I am wondering about one thing, maybe I am one of the few students here for whom this may be important:Right now, I am having a bass mtp with Bogdan. I also had (and still have) a guitar mtp with Lian.So, if I want provate lessons for guitar and bass, does that mean I would have to pay 60 USD per month? Or can I learn both in private lessons for the single price of 30 USD?As I said, this might be a special situation...

MirkoSchmidt

Jul 19 2010, 06:49 PM

yeah, its really expensive... im sure most of the members here are not able to join that (like me)i mean how much do you earn in southamerica? im not sure but isnt 29$ pretty much money for someone from there?

im very happy with the mtp, i did two great month with daniel realpe and now i have a cool time with adrian! i cant see problems with mtp... but i can see a pssibility to earn much money there for sure... im not really happy with that...

Marek Rojewski

Jul 19 2010, 07:03 PM

Guys remember few things. For example - MTP takes instructors time. As being an instructor here is a JOB (of course it is also many other things as well), they most probably would like to get paid for the hours committed to MTP. So now there are two possibilities:1. instructors don't get any money for the MTP now - this isn't a good thing2. Kris pays them for the MTP, and students that are mentored aren't paying anything extra, they are paying the same cash that other members pay without having the MTP - I don't see a reason for such situation. Kris isn't the one that should sponsor ones teaching.

Of course I may be wrong, and the instructors are willing to give private lessons for free to us all, but I doubt it.

Praetorian

Jul 19 2010, 07:30 PM

I am paying $25 per hour for lessons here in my town. A one hour lesson almost covers the cost of a month of personal teaching here? That doesn't sound bad to me. I would like more detail into what I am buying however as others have stated. It is a little confusing as to how this will be $90 better than the 3 month rotation of MTP which was free. Will there be webcam interaction with the instructor? Will it be forum posts open and available to all members to read? If so, then I can see a situation where one student is paying for the lesson...and many others are following the topic and getting the same benefit without paying anything. I think private lessons should be just that - private.

Kristofer Dahl

Jul 19 2010, 08:12 PM

I will do my best to clarify some more.

The new Private Lessons program is no new magic formula. It is the same thing as the old mtp which you previously got for "free".

So why do we charge you extra for this program now? Because providing the old one for "free" was not sustainable - it was threatening gmc's economy and forced us into restrictions which no one liked. The old mtp program was the result of a feature test which got more and more and popular until we couldn't manage it any longer.

The reason the mtp program got so expensive is because we reward our instructors for their time & work in the community - that is one of the reasons we can keep such a high level of knowledge on the site.

Having said this - I do see many ways this new program will turn out to be a much more effective learning tool than the old one, but only time will tell!

carminemarotta

Jul 19 2010, 08:16 PM

QUOTE (Praetorian @ Jul 19 2010, 07:30 PM)

I am paying $25 per hour for lessons here in my town. A one hour lesson almost covers the cost of a month of personal teaching here? That doesn't sound bad to me. I would like more detail into what I am buying however as others have stated. It is a little confusing as to how this will be $90 better than the 3 month rotation of MTP which was free. Will there be webcam interaction with the instructor? Will it be forum posts open and available to all members to read? If so, then I can see a situation where one student is paying for the lesson...and many others are following the topic and getting the same benefit without paying anything. I think private lessons should be just that - private.

I completely agree with Praetorian

Staffy

Jul 19 2010, 08:20 PM

Well, I dig this, and I dont think the prize isn't unfair either - but maybe there should be a "trial" month or so, You cant really tell if this way of learning/the instructors will suit You in particular. Pay for six months in advance seems to be a little too much if You're not sure of this method of learning. Another issue will be on the teacher side - what if the student thinks that the teacher doesn't put enough effort in the private lessons? Can You get the money back then ? Also, I would like to see some more instructors participate, right now we have the rock & metal teachers (nothing wrong with that), but what about teachers in other styles???

//Staffay

EDIT: Btw. Im a big fan of the old system where students teaches students, there are a lot of skill amongst the students as well. If this can run at the same time, I think it will be great. (heard me Monte.. ) If anyone is interested in learning some jazz theory, basic rock/jazz I will be happy to help !

carminemarotta

Jul 19 2010, 08:20 PM

QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ Jul 19 2010, 08:12 PM)

I will do my best to clarify some more.

The new Private Lessons program is no new magic formula. It is the same thing as the old mtp which you previously got for "free".

In my opinion, $30 for what was free untill yesterday is too expensive. I thought that there were some extra features.

Carmine

SirJamsalot

Jul 19 2010, 08:46 PM

Kristofer,

Perhaps if you list what features are available for monthly subscribers, that would help make things clearers.

Am I correct in assuming the following are still included in the monthly fee?

1. Access to video lessons under the "Guitar Lessons Tab"2. Instructor led Collaborations3. REC program whereby students can still be graded for submissions based on lessons?4. Instructor led video chat.

And the only thing that is changing is an added fee for Private Lessons, which is replacing the MTP program?

Thanks,Christian A.

Praetorian

Jul 19 2010, 08:50 PM

QUOTE (SirJamsalot @ Jul 19 2010, 03:46 PM)

Kristofer,

Perhaps if you list what features are available for monthly subscribers, that would help make things clearers.

Am I correct in assuming the following are still included in the monthly fee?

1. Access to video lessons under the "Guitar Lessons Tab"2. Instructor led Collaborations3. REC program whereby students can still be graded for submissions based on lessons?4. Instructor led video chat.

And the only thing that is changing is an added fee for Private Lessons, which is replacing the MTP program?

Thanks,Christian A.

From what I understand, that sounds correct. Everything seems to be the same except the MTP program is now called Private Lessons and is a "pay to play" program. Also, the Private Lessons seem to be more streamlined to each student's needs instead of a lesson per month, with a mandatory REC take at the end type of format. If they need two months of just perfecting scales, or chords etc. then that is what they will get. I defer to Kris if I have it incorrect however!

I am interested in this...but I really have a problem with everyone being able to follow your "private" lesson. It doesn't seem right that someone can get the same benefit from reading the thread for free, and take advantage of the paying member. It should be a seperate thread for the instructor and student only...maybe a password?

ruben_mcn

Jul 19 2010, 08:53 PM

QUOTE (Staffy @ Jul 19 2010, 08:20 PM)

Well, I dig this, and I dont think the prize isn't unfair either - but maybe there should be a "trial" month or so, You cant really tell if this way of learning/the instructors will suit You in particular. Pay for six months in advance seems to be a little too much if You're not sure of this method of learning. Another issue will be on the teacher side - what if the student thinks that the teacher doesn't put enough effort in the private lessons? Can You get the money back then ? Also, I would like to see some more instructors participate, right now we have the rock & metal teachers (nothing wrong with that), but what about teachers in other styles???

//Staffay

EDIT: Btw. Im a big fan of the old system where students teaches students, there are a lot of skill amongst the students as well. If this can run at the same time, I think it will be great. (heard me Monte.. ) If anyone is interested in learning some jazz theory, basic rock/jazz I will be happy to help !

Wow I would love if you could teach me that specially cause its summer and i have a lot of free time .. and I want to learn has much as I can now, cause next year I´m going to college and i fear that the time that i have for music will be very limited ...

Kristofer Dahl

Jul 19 2010, 10:09 PM

QUOTE (carminemarotta @ Jul 19 2010, 09:20 PM)

In my opinion, $30 for what was free untill yesterday is too expensive.

I agree with you - in retrospect we should have done it differently from the start. As a customer I would not enjoy paying for something I have previously received for free.

I do however find the price $30/month for a personal learning plan and GMC instructor to be very competitive.

QUOTE (Staffy @ Jul 19 2010, 09:20 PM)

Well, I dig this, and I dont think the prize isn't unfair either - but maybe there should be a "trial" month or so, You cant really tell if this way of learning/the instructors will suit You in particular. Pay for six months in advance seems to be a little too much if You're not sure of this method of learning. Another issue will be on the teacher side - what if the student thinks that the teacher doesn't put enough effort in the private lessons? Can You get the money back then ?

If you are unhappy with your instructor but want to continue with the program you would switch to another instructor!

QUOTE (Staffy @ Jul 19 2010, 09:20 PM)

Also, I would like to see some more instructors participate, right now we have the rock & metal teachers (nothing wrong with that), but what about teachers in other styles???

We should have most styles covered - as an example I have been contacted today by Jerry, Gera and Stephane who said they are available. You can expect more information on available instructors to appear.

QUOTE (Staffy @ Jul 19 2010, 09:20 PM)

EDIT: Btw. Im a big fan of the old system where students teaches students, there are a lot of skill amongst the students as well. If this can run at the same time, I think it will be great. (heard me Monte.. ) If anyone is interested in learning some jazz theory, basic rock/jazz I will be happy to help !

It would of course be absolutely awesome if you would want to mentor people on the forum. I have said it before - but often you will get the best advice from people who are still learning, because they are in a similar learning phase as you.

QUOTE (SirJamsalot @ Jul 19 2010, 09:46 PM)

Kristofer,

Perhaps if you list what features are available for monthly subscribers, that would help make things clearer.

Am I correct in assuming the following are still included in the monthly fee?

1. Access to video lessons under the "Guitar Lessons Tab"2. Instructor led Collaborations3. REC program whereby students can still be graded for submissions based on lessons?4. Instructor led video chat.

And the only thing that is changing is an added fee for Private Lessons, which is replacing the MTP program?

Thanks,Christian A.

That is correct (we list member features here - but perhaps the page should be more specific)

QUOTE (Praetorian @ Jul 19 2010, 09:50 PM)

I am interested in this...but I really have a problem with everyone being able to follow your "private" lesson. It doesn't seem right that someone can get the same benefit from reading the thread for free, and take advantage of the paying member. It should be a seperate thread for the instructor and student only...maybe a password?

I have asked the techs for a suggestion on how we can achieve this! I will get back.

SirJamsalot

Jul 19 2010, 10:24 PM

QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ Jul 19 2010, 02:09 PM)

That is correct (we list member features here - but perhaps the page should be more specific)

oh! It is listed there! wasn't sure if it changed and because the sign-up link is way at the bottom, it didn't dawn on me to check

Christian A.

lcsdds

Jul 19 2010, 11:19 PM

I think this is a great thing. I really enjoyed doing MTP.....both learning and teaching. This is something that I will hopefully be able to participate in in the future as a student. I really enjoyed the teaching as well......and I agree that there are a lot of students on this site who would be great teachers.......such as Staffy, Zakk Wylde, MarcMaiden etc.

Hopefully this works out really well for everybody here.

I also agree with praetorian that private lessons should be private........not sure how to accomplish this but it would be nice.

wrk

Jul 20 2010, 11:27 AM

BRAVO GMC !! I honestly think that this is the best approach to to deal with the MTP/Private Lessons. IMO the extra rates are complete valid and i will for sure subscribe when my actual mess concerning time is back in order ..

Yeah, to lower the standard subscription rate a tiny little bit would have been great (pure customer view ofc), but out of experiences i know, to keep a service like GMC running is really expensive. With fast, mirrored servers in the US and europe, a whole bunch of qualified instructors and constant developments to add/improve new features to the site. Maybe if Kris would one day start a forum topic like "Kris's Gear Purchase of the week" i would start to wonder, but up to then ... fair enough !! ..

Oh btw .. i really appreciate that Kris is doing the communicate himself concerning the MTP/Private Lessons ... something i have missed a bit in the past.

Andy

superize

Jul 20 2010, 11:44 AM

Will the current MTP continue untill the end

maharzan

Jul 20 2010, 12:33 PM

Yes Superize. We will be able to complete our last MTP session -> End of August.

Kristofer Dahl

Jul 20 2010, 07:41 PM

Update:

We have now tweaked with permissions so that the Private Lessons mentoring will be 100% closed. You will notice that the correspondance between Adrian and his first Private Lessons student is no longer visible.

Praetorian

Jul 21 2010, 01:39 AM

QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ Jul 20 2010, 02:41 PM)

Update:

We have now tweaked with permissions so that the Private Lessons mentoring will be 100% closed. You will notice that the correspondance between Adrian and his first Private Lessons student is no longer visible.

Outstanding! You just got another customer!

Sollesnes

Jul 21 2010, 01:44 AM

I guess Ill post a post here aswell. Its good to see GMC evolving, and in a good direction.

maharzan

Jul 21 2010, 04:00 AM

Wow.. now theres some secret going on..

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